Watch: Congressional Democrats Display ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’ On House Floor
Four Congressional Democrats, all members of the Congressional Black Caucus, on Monday gave a “hands up, don’t shoot” display on the House floor.
Democratic U.S. Congressmen and Congresswomen took to the House floor Monday, and during speeches raised their hands and exclaimed, “hands up, don’t shoot.” The gestures – physical and emotional – were all in support of Michael Brown, the 18-year old killed by now-former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. The Congressional Black Caucus spoke for an hour on the House floor, talking about being Black in America, and how the issues in Ferguson reflect a larger problem across the nation.
While many members of the CBC spoke eloquently on the floor, New York Reps. Yvette Clarke and Hakeem Jeffries, and Texas Reps. Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee all raised their hands during their speeches and said, “hands up, don’t shoot.”
“I rise to discuss being Black in America & what injustices in #Ferguson say about where we are and need to go as a society†@YvetteClarke
— David Johns (@MrDavidJohns) December 2, 2014
“‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ is a rallying cry of people all across America who are fed up with police violence in … communities all across America,†Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York told his colleagues.Â
“I saw this clip where the Rams players came into the arena: ‘Hands up; don’t shoot’ … this has become the new symbol, a new statement,†Rep. Al Green of Texas said. “I want to make sure that those who participated on the Rams team, that their names are chronicled in history… I want Kenny Britt to be recognized, Tavon Austin to be recognized, Stedman Bailey to be recognized, Jared Cook, Chris Givens, and Tre Mason.”
Four Members of Congress do ‘Hands Up, Don’t Shoot’ gesture on House floor. http://t.co/EMPkdTk6ot pic.twitter.com/YanQI5RzJ4
— NYDN Politics (@NYDNPolitics) December 2, 2014
Here’s a short clip from Rep. Al Green:
And one from Rep. Jeffries:
“Hands up, don’t shoot” on House floor last night, via @YvetteClarke @OfficialCBC Full video: http://t.co/xokpMGuhYy pic.twitter.com/IWZgNXze6t
— Howard Mortman (@HowardMortman) December 2, 2014
He really couldn’t have said this any better. Well done. http://t.co/zmiJ33n2RO #Ferguson #HandsUpDontShoot pic.twitter.com/RVhMhyd7UP
— Sarah Wood (@OpinionatedDem) December 2, 2014
Â
Image via Twitter
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.